Dwyane Wade had a difficult decision to make this summer, as he entered unrestricted free agency for the third time in his career.
After winning three titles with the Miami Heat, the 34-year-old had little left to prove with the franchise, and also had the opportunity to capitalize on the NBA's rising salary cap with a different team.
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Wade ultimately decided to sign with his hometown Chicago Bulls in a move that was shocking for many fans who saw him grow from a 22-year-old rookie to one of the NBA's greatest shooting guards during his 13 seasons in Miami.
"I don’t think a lot of people understand," Wade told Sam Smith of nba.com. "If you’re not in this business it’s hard to understand. I don’t really want them to understand. I want them to appreciate what we accomplished together. I want them to cheer for the team they have now, support those players who are giving their all. Support the future of the organization and be thankful we were able to experience an unbelievable ride together. That’s all you can do."
Related: Wade: If you're not with Pat Riley, you're against him
Wade undoubtedly sits as the greatest player in Heat history, ranking first all time in games, minutes, points, assists, steals, win shares, and VORP, while also collecting three championships in South Beach.
Despite the sudden departure, Wade said he's expecting a warm reception from the Miami faithful Thursday when he returns to American Airlines Arena.
